The information below is intended to assist you as you consider your travel options with Explore. In addition to the detailed itinerary each tour has been supported with some useful information to provide you with an overview of your accommodation & meals, all things money, passports, visas, vaccinations, insurance, clothing, personal equipment and much more to help you with your travel preparations.

Journey Through the Balkans

Tour notes

Each departure date has it's own dedicated tour note, detailing all you need to know about that tour. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the Journey Through The Balkans tour available at present.

You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and
items of a personal nature such as laundry.

Food

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide.Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Croatia

Lunch £:
15.00

Dinner £:
18.00

Montenegro

Lunch £:
9.00

Dinner £:
11.00

Serbia

Lunch £:
8.00

Dinner £:
12.00

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Lunch £:
5.0

Dinner £:
8

Drink

The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive.

Croatia

Bottle of Beer £:
2.00

Water £:
1.50

Montenegro

Bottle of Beer £:
2.00

Water £:
1.10

Serbia

Bottle of Beer £:
1.50

Water £:
1.00

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bottle of Beer £:
1.50

Water £:
1.20

Tipping - Tour Leader

At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.

Optional Excursions

Tipping - Local Crew

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly you should allow approx. £25 for gratuities for local staff.

In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Foreign Exchange

Croatia

ATM Availability:
Most towns have ATM’s for cash withdrawal.

Credit Card Acceptance:
Generally accepted throughout including most larger restaurants (make sure you have informed your credit card company that you are travelling abroad as some companies will reject payments)

Travellers Cheques:
Travellers Cheques can only be exchanged in banks.

Local Currency:
Croatian Kuna.

Recommended Currency for Exchange:
Sterling pounds, US Dollars and Euro cash can all be exchanged for the local currency.

Where to Exchange:
Most major towns have a Bureau de Change

Montenegro

ATM Availability:
Most towns have ATM’s for cash withdrawal.

Credit Card Acceptance:
Credit cards are also generally accepted.

Travellers Cheques:
Travellers Cheques can be exchanged for the local currency.

Local Currency:
Euro.

Recommended Currency for Exchange:
Sterling and US dollars.

Where to Exchange:
Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities. Your tour leader will advise you on arrival.

Serbia

ATM Availability:
Generally widespread but limited in more rural areas.

Credit Card Acceptance:
Accepted in major restaurants and hotels.

Travellers Cheques:
Travellers Cheques can be exchanged for the local currency but only in banks (Croatia and Bosnia) and in banks, hotels and
travel agencies in Serbia and Montenegro.

Local Currency:
Dinar.

Recommended Currency for Exchange:
Euros, US Dollars and Sterling can all be exchanged for local currency. However, Euro is the best currency for exchange and can be done so at most of the places.
Only Bank of England issued bank notes are recognised or exchanged in Montenegro. Scottish and Northern Irish pounds sterling bank notes are not accepted. Please consult your tour leader for more information on currency exchange.

Where to Exchange:
Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities. Your tour leader will advise you on arrival.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

ATM Availability:
Generally widespread but limited in more rural areas.

Credit Card Acceptance:
Accepted in major restaurants and hotels.

Travellers Cheques:
Travellers Cheques can be exchanged for the local currency but only in banks

Local Currency:
Bosnian Mark.

Recommended Currency for Exchange:
Euros, US Dollars and Sterling can all be exchanged for local currency. However, Euro is the best currency for exchange and can be done so at most of the places.
Please consult your tour leader for more information on currency exchange.

Where to Exchange:
Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities. Your tour leader will advise you on arrival.

Visa Information

Croatia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.

Bosnia Herzegovina: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.

Serbia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.

Montenegro: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.

Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Vaccinations & Protection

Croatia

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, and typhoid. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Check latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Montenegro

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus, and Typhoid.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Serbia

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Check latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Check latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Climate

Croatia

The Croatian Adriatic has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn, though generally it is in the form of short showers. Thunderstorms occur in summer, generally helping to cool the air. Itineraries with boat cruises can occasionally be disrupted due to bad weather.

Montenegro

Montenegro has a mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall inland There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn, though generally this is in the form of short showers. The best times to visit Montenegro is spring and autumn. As we are in the mountains for this trip the temperature will be a few degrees cooler then the low lying areas.

Serbia

Serbia has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Spring and autumn offer the best chance of moderate temperatures. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn, though generally this is in the form of short showers. Thunderstorms occur in summer generally helping to cool the air.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia, with only 20km of coastline on the Adriatic Sea, has weather more typical of inland eastern Europe, with cold winters and warm summers. Summer is the wettest season. Much of the country is mountainous or hilly, rising to a height of 2,386 m and winter snow lies for long periods in the higher regions.

Equipment

A torch, water bottle, insect repellent, suncream (at least factor 15), good quality sunglasses and a lipsalve with sun protection.Also bring a swimsuit for swimming opportunities on the trip.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes/trainers plus sandals for relaxing.

Clothing

July and August are the hottest months, but early and late in the season go prepared with clothing to suit drops in temperature and the odd shower. Please note air conditioning is not normally available.

Luggage: On Tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.